January 17, (THEWILL) – Mali kicked off their Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a 2-0 victory over South Africa on Tuesday. Captain Hamari Traore opened the scoring on the hour mark before striker Lassine Sinayoko quickly doubled their advantage.
South Africa had looked the better side in the first half, but were made to pay for Percy Tau’s missed penalty. The former Brighton and Hove Albion forward blazed his 19th-minute spot kick high over the bar after VAR confirmed a handball in the Mali box. Tau went close again twice before the break, but was denied by superb saves from Djigui Diarra.
The second half was a different story though, with Mali dominant after the restart. Amadou Haidara should have scored early in the second period, somehow missing from close range. But Traore made no mistake on 60 minutes, pouncing on the rebound after Sekou Koita’s free kick hit the bar. Sinayoko then sealed the win just six minutes later, racing clear to slot home.
South Africa rallied late on and hit the post from a free kick in added time, but rarely threatened to get back into the game. The win sees Mali top Group E after the opening round of matches.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
